The house slowly settled after that awkward moment.
People went back to eating, chatting, laughing—
Like nothing had happened.
But I knew better.
Because every now and then—
I could feel it.
His gaze.
Still there.
Still thinking.
I kept myself busy.
Refilling drinks. Checking on guests.
Anything to avoid looking at him for too long.
"Anna, relax a bit," – Maxine whispered as she walked past me.
"I am," I replied softly.
She didn't look convinced.
Before I could say anything else—
The kids ran in again.
"Mom! We're hungry!" – Xia said dramatically.
"Come, sit," I smiled, guiding them to the table.
Xayden sat down, followed by Xia.
Xavier pulled a chair next to them like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"I want the same as gege," – Xia pointed at Xavier's plate.
"Then you have to finish everything," – Xavier teased.
I placed the food in front of them.
From the corner of my eye—
I saw him.
Watching.
Again.
"Eat slowly," I reminded them.
For a moment—
Everything felt calm.
Until—
Xavier spoke.
"Dad."
My hand froze.
Yushen looked at him.
"Yes?"
Xavier pointed casually at Xayden.
"Don't you think he acts like you?"
Silence.
My heart dropped.
Xayden blinked.
"Huh?"
Xia looked curious.
"Like uncle?"
I couldn't move.
"He does that face," Xavier continued, completely unaware, "when he's thinking."
Xayden frowned slightly.
"Like this?"
That same expression.
That same crease between his brows.
I felt my chest tighten.
Because I've seen that face before.
Too many times.
Yushen didn't respond immediately.
His eyes stayed on Xayden.
Longer this time.
Deeper.
Like he wasn't just looking anymore—
He was remembering.
"You used to look like that when you were working," Xavier added, laughing lightly.
I forced myself to breathe.
"That's enough, eat first," I said gently, cutting in.
"Okay," Xavier nodded, going back to his food.
The kids continued eating like nothing happened.
But the air—
It had changed.
Again.
I slowly lifted my gaze.
And met his eyes.
This time—
There was no softness.
No casual curiosity.
Only one thing.
Suspicion.
Not loud.
Not confirmed.
But growing.
And I knew—
This wasn't something I could control anymore.
Because now—
It wasn't just resemblance.
It was behavior.
It was instinct.
It was something…
Too familiar to ignore.
And the way he was looking at me now—
Like he was waiting—
For me to say something.
Anything.
Terrified me more than the truth itself.